Chelsea Defeat a Very Timid Benfica Side

Since the departure of Andre Villas-Boas, Chelsea FC fan's have had some good things to cheer about.

After leaving Italy down 3-1 in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16, Roberto Di Matteo's men managed to knock off Napoli at Stamford Bridge in overtime.

Chelsea came into Tuesday's quarterfinal first-leg tie against Benfica at Estadio da Luz in Lisbon on foot of a goalless draw against London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

For the home team, English opponents were nothing new to them as they had managed two crucial draws in the group stage against Manchester United which dictated the departure of the Red Devils from the Champions League.

Benfica was coming off a demoralizing draw away to Olhanense where they slipped up in what has turned into a fascinating title race in the Portuguese League. With over 50,000 fans at the Estadio da Luz, the stage was set for a magical night of football.

After the announcement of the starting XI for Chelsea, many would have said that they were not taking this match seriously enough.

Bringing in Paulo Ferreira at right back and leaving Portuguese international Jose Bosingwa on the bench was a big question mark.

After some initial controversy involving Didier Drogba's celebratory jig during the Champions League draw, the Ivorian found himself on the bench, where he would remain the whole match.

Michael Essien's exclusion from lineup may also have caused some fans scratching there heads.

Regardless of the lineup, Di Matteo put out there, Chelsea was clearly going to try and stay organized and compact at the back.

The counter attack would be a big focus for the Blues with Saloman Kalou, Juan Mata and Ramires having incredible pace. Fortunately for Benfica, Juan Mata was on an off day, but we can't say the same for Brazilian International Ramires.

After spending one season at Benfica, the Kenyan—as he was nicknamed while in Lisbon—made sure he left his mark on this match. His blistering pace down the wing was clearly too much for fellow Brazilian Emerson to handle as he raced by him on a number of occasions.

The free flowing, attack minded Benfica squad that we are all so used to seeing was now being contained by a Chelsea side that many thought was ridiculous before kickoff.

Paraguay International Oscar Cardozo had his hands full with former teammate David Luiz and skipper John Terry watching him closely. Cardozo had two opportunities throughout the match, with one being taken off the line by David Luiz.

Chelsea was able to dictate the pace of the game as well as eliminate Benfica's strengths on the attack. They managed to keep Pablo Aimar out of the game, as well as containing Nico Gaitain, who could quite possibly be in the English Premier League next season.

Meanwhile, Fernando Torres looked comfortable on the ball and showed glimpses of the El Nino of old. He marched into the Benfica box in the first half and with some trickery managed to get away from the defenders, but didn't quite succeed in getting his left-footed shot on frame.

Benfica fans and players made an appeal for a handball in the Chelsea box from John Terry, but the Italian referee waived play on, to the desperation of the fans.

After watching the replay, John Terry's arm is clearly off his body and blocks the ball from making its way across the box—a fortunate break for Chelsea.

Not long after, poor defending from Emerson and Jardel left Torres alone on the wing, where he calmly found Kalou in front of goal to put Chelsea ahead in the match.

Chelsea now take a slight lead back to London after an impressive performance away from home.

Benfica appeared to show too much respect for Chelsea in the first 45 minutes, and that cost them big. They basically threw away 45 minutes, and by the time they picked up the pace, it was already too late. Tired legs and the pressure of needing to score a goal at home started to affect the players, fans and the coach.

Chelsea, on the other hand, was a very well organized team, with David Luiz being the standout player in my eyes.

As I watched Sky Sports pre-match, Graeme Souness said how David Luiz shouldn't be playing, and how Gary Cahill was a better defender than him. I wonder if he still has the same opinion?

What can we expect for the second leg at the Bridge? Well, Benfica will really have to chase the game. They need one goal and will certainly play a more attack-minded game in London. Certainly Essien and maybe Frank Lampard will start that match to solidify the midfield and force Benfica to play more direct.

In my opinion, this is not yet over and a very talented Benfica side can very well pull off a surprise in London, although it will be extremely difficult.

Let's not forget the epic victory Ronald Koeman and his Benfica squad pulled off at Anfield in 2006 against Liverpool.

If Chelsea take this second leg lightly, they could be in for a big surprise.